Carney: My tackling technique needs a Justin

Published:21:12Thursday 06 June 2013

Justin Carney (pictured) has agreed to work on changing his tackling technique after he was handed a third suspension in three months.

Castleford’s former Canberra and Sydney Roosters player, who is in his first season in Super League, has already missed four matches through suspension and was handed a three-game ban for a dangerous “lift” on London forward Shane Rodney during last Saturday’s 30-30 draw with the Broncos.

“We’ve had a good chat about it,” said Tigers coach Daryl Powell.

“We need to work pretty hard on Justin’s tackling technique.

“Obviously player welfare is massive. It’s not that Justin wants to hurt people - he’s a really nice guy - but we do need to change his tackling style and he’s fully committed to that.

“It’s something we’ll look to do in the coming weeks. It is difficult when you are used to tacking a certain way.

“Justin is incredibly strong and he finds it easy to get underneath people. How he puts them down is a technique we’ll be working on.”

Carney has already become a something of a cult figure at his new club with his blockbusting style and has scored seven tries in his last five matches.

“It’s a blow because he’s been in outstanding form and scoring tries consistently but it gives an opportunity to someone else and we want competition for places,” Powell said.

“It’s a bit of an issue but we just get on with it. It’s one of those occupational hazards.”

Powell will replace Carney with either James Clare or Richard Owen for Friday’s derby with Leeds at Headingley.